Dogs add
immeasurably to the quality of life of many New Yorkers. But
having a dog in the city can be a challenge. Since February
1992, when it was founded on Manhattan's Upper West Side by
Phyllis Couvares and Peggy Spencer, Follow My Lead has been one
of the foremost schools addressing the special training needs of
the urban dog.

The
trainers at Follow My Lead are accomplished professionals
committed to reward-based training. All work with dogs of
different sizes, ages, breeds, and temperaments. Our
understanding of canine behavior is deepened by our recognition
that the study of canine behavior is an evolving field. Our
openness to that evolution, combined with the depth of our
experience and insight, means that we offer a variety of
up-to-date solutions to your training issues.

In our
classes and our private lessons, we hope that the enthusiasm and
joy we find in working with dogs translates into classes that
are equal parts instructive and fun. When we talk about
"working" with our dogs, we are talking about finding better
ways to communicate, which often involves play. We want you to
have a great time training your dog, and for your dog to have a
great time learning with you.

Phyllis
Couvares, CPDT-KA

Phyllis' keen observation and skillful handling have been developed over
a 30-year career. She has a remarkable ability to teach owners
how to overcome the frustrations that sometimes keep them from
fully enjoying their dogs. Her primary goal is to help owners
build an easy trust between themselves and their dog. Watching
that connection and understanding grow is, according to her, the
most satisfying part of what she does.

David Hawke

David is an exceptionally patient and
gentle teacher who takes particular delight in the "light bulb"
moment that occurs when students realize they are able to
communicate with their dogs, and when dogs get that they can be
understood. In our beginning classes, David
especially enjoys teaching tricks so that people grasp that
whatever they are training, roll-over or sit-stay, dogs learn best when all
behaviors are taught with the same level of joy.

Nancy Field, CPDT-KA

In additional to being a Certified Professional Dog Trainer,
Naancy is an Approved
Evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, and an
Authorized Mentor for the Animal Behavior College. She has been
a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
(APDT) since 1997.

Nancy is committed to force free,
reward based training methods. She continues to deepen and
expand her knowledge of evolving training methods through
extensive reading and by attending numerous seminars and
workshops covering a wide range of training topics.

Nancy competes in rally and obedience
trials with her Labrador Retriever, Emma (Legacy’s Mrs. Peel,
RL2. CD-C) and has also trained Emma for agility competition.

Jessica was introduced to K9 Nose Work® in 2010 and has been
obsessed with this new sport ever since. In 2011, she became one
of the first Nose Work instructors to be certified on the East
Coast. Her terrier-mix, Trix. has her NW2 title and all four L1
Element Specialty titles, and many of her students are competing
at elite levels as well. Jessica is also the National
ORT® Coordinator for the National Association of Canine Scent
Work.

Jessica calls herself a "training
junkie" and reads everything she can get her hands on regarding
dogs. She attends seminars and workshops to keep up-to-date with
the newest science and training techniques. She is a clicker
trainer and loves that "a-ha moment" when a dog truly becomes a
partner in the training process.